Many viewers wonder what aspects Tyson’s run happened legitimately in real life – here is the answer.
Tyson’s run is a 2022 film directed by Kim Bass that tells the story of Tyson Hollerman, a 15-year-old autistic boy who embarks on a journey to prove himself by training for a city-wide marathon.
Many viewers have discovered the film a few years after its release now that it’s streaming on Netflix, starring Rory Cochrane, Amy Smart, Major Dodson and Barkhad Abdi.
However, many believe that the film is based on true events, but that is not quite the truth.
Is Tyson’s run based on a true story?
The short answer is no, Tyson Hollerman is a character not based on a real life person who overcame similar obstacles in reality.
However, there were many inspirations Tyson’s runalthough it is not based on real life events.
Although the film is not directly based on a true story, writer and director Kim Bass was inspired by real experiences.
She told the Observer-Dispatch that she interacted with a boy in her son’s elementary school class who struggled with running because he felt different from his peers.
As Bass explained, the little boy told him how he wanted to stop running because he wasn’t as fast as the other boys:
“He told me, ‘I know I’m fast, but all the other guys are super fast.’ So I don’t want to run anymore.
The film portrays Tyson’s challenges and triumphs in a realistic setting and shows his perseverance and determination to overcome obstacles with the support of his family and friends. Although Tyson is a fictional character, his experiences are relatable to many individuals with autism and their families.
Bass also mentioned how, in creating the character, Tyson believes the family dynamic will be enhanced “if he becomes some sort of master of something” and that he can communicate with his father through this.
“Thinks that if he becomes some sort of master at something, his mother and father’s relationship will improve and his family will improve… He thinks it’s a way to communicate with his father.”
People with autism especially have a harder time communicating, which can lead to social problems and anxiety.
Tyson’s run delves into the complexities of parenting, particularly raising a child diagnosed with autism, and highlights the emotional journey of Tyson’s parents, Bobby and Eleanor. These characters were drawn from real-life stories and experiences of families dealing with similar situations.
What about Tyson’s run based on real life?
While not historically accurate, Tyson’s Run is well-represented, with an autistic actor playing the main character.
Major Dodson plays Tyson, who has previously advocated for autistic actors to portray autistic characters. However, Bass said he was unaware of Dodson’s autism when he was originally cast:
“He was chosen based on the fact that he had done an incredible job.”
Tyson’s relationships with his parents, friends, and mentors are central to the narrative, emphasizing the importance of acceptance, support, and hope in his journey to self-discovery and success.
Although fictional, prominent characters like Shannon (Layla Felder) and Aklilu (Barkhad Abdi) serve as symbols of acceptance and inspiration for Tyson, reflecting the reality of the challenges faced by individuals with autism.
Bass also added that at the same time Tyson’s run is an inspiring film about an autistic child, “This is just an ordinary family:”
“This is just a normal family. It’s about faith, love, forgiveness.”
As for faith, there are only minor references to Christianity in the film.
This includes figures praying at mealtimes, a short service, and 1 Cor. 9:24: “Don’t you know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run to get the prize,” shown at the end of the movie.
Tyson’s run now streaming on Netflix.